How to get better after the trade deadline
Contenders with flaws won't stop trying to improve
 John Dunn / Redux Pictures The trade deadline may have passed, but there are still some talented players who could be dealth, such as Oakland's Mike Piazza. |
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Two points here: First, here are two reasons why you didn’t see their respective teams make deals for offensive help prior to the deadline — especially when Mark Teixeira really was the only player out there who could push somebody into a playoff spot.
And, you can expect to see a couple more similar promotions shortly — Joba Chamberlain joining Phil Hughes in New York, Franklin Morales joining Ubaldo Jimenez in Colorado — offering more insight into the lack-of-impact movement prior to Tuesday’s deadline.
Secondly, just because the non-waiver deadline has passed, it doesn’t mean teams have stopped trying to improve themselves. And with so many contenders — 16 by this count — with obvious remaining flaws, there likely will continue to be movement this month. In other words, it ain’t ‘til it’s over, when it comes to possible address changes for:
Carlos Silva: Who would have thought that trading Luis Castillo would set off such a firestorm in the Twin Cities? So despite Johan Santana’s pointed criticism, you have to wonder if the Twins won’t unload Silva if they fall back far enough in the AL Central and wild card races.
Especially when there remains a crying need among contenders for a quality starter down the stretch — Mets, Braves, Phillies, Brewers, Dodgers, Diamondbacks, Angels and Mariners, to name eight. All of which means you can’t count out Jon Garland, Steve Trachsel, Joe Blanton, Joe Kennedy, Jose Contreras or Jason Jennings moving on — as bad as the latter two have been of late.
Jack Wilson: The longest-tenured Pirate could be on the way out, with the Detroit scenario of Carlos Guillen moving to first base making a lot of sense. And with $14-plus million remaining on his contract, Wilson figures to clear waivers.
Mike Piazza: He’s healthy and productive of late, and the A’s certainly can limp to a disappointing finish without him. The Angels and Mariners have a need, but would the A’s be willing to send help to one of their division rivals? Shannon Stewart also fits here.
Scott Podsednik: The White Sox and Jermaine Dye are talking extension again after a potential deal with Boston fell apart, but Podsednik could provide a spark and speed off a contender’s bench.
Bob Wickman/Troy Percival: The former very well could lose his closer role to Octavio Dotel, and the latter has made an effective comeback to date.
Jeff Conine/Scott Hatteberg: Conine is no stranger to this post-trade-deadline thing, having moved twice in the last four Augusts. Hatteberg is other half of the Reds’ expendable first-base platoon.
Corey Patterson/Aubrey Huff/Kevin Millar/Jay Gibbons/Jay Payton: They have varying skills to offer, and the O’s are looking at yet another makeover under the direction of new-man-in-charge Andy MacPhail.
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Shawn Chacon/Damaso Marte/Salomon Torres: If the Pirates’ asking price comes down, or a team’s desperation rises, any of these three relievers could go.
Mark Loretta/Mike Lamb: With Ty Wigginton’s arrival from Tampa to play third base, there aren’t enough infielder at-bats to go around in Houston.
Steve Kline/Ray King: Two of your last lefties standing after Ron Mahay and Royce Ring were involved in deadline deals.
Sammy Sosa: His playing time has been reduced in Texas with the promotion of Jason Botts — not that anybody will be interested.
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